Amy Halferty Abel

Amy Abel, 89, a longtime resident of Graham, Texas died Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at a nursing facility in Abilene, Texas. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 6, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Richard Reed, pastor of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Born in Revere, Missouri on June 10, 1920, Amy was the daughter of Tirza Belle Best and Richard Halferty. She was a graduate of Revere High School, and upon graduation moved to Fort Madison, Iowa. There she worked for the Schaffer Pen Company. After World War II, she met the love of her life, Francis "Abe" Abel, when he asked her to dance at the USO Club. They married on June 29, 1946 in Fort Madison, Iowa.

In 1953, the couple moved to Graham, Texas, and set up roots to raise their family. Amy worked in the school cafeteria at Shawnee Elementary until 1968. She then began a 20-year career with Graham Magnetics, retiring in 1988. Amy was a woman of unwavering faith and found happiness by serving her family, friends and church community with great home-cooked meals, especially her cakes and pies. She also loved gardening, and maintained a beautiful lawn and colorful, meticulously groomed flower beds.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis "Abe" Abel, her parents, four brothers, five sisters, and granddaughter, Sara Elizabeth Abel.

Survivors include sons, Stephen Abel and wife, Nancy, and Kevin Abel, all of Abilene. Survivors also include three grandchildren, Aaron Abel, Ashley Abel and Brittney Abel, and great-grandson, Spencer Abel.

The family wishes to thank all of Amy's caregivers; the staff of The Oaks at Radford Hills in Abilene, and Hendrick Hospice Care of Abilene. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 700 Third Street, Graham, Texas 76450, or Hendrick Hospice Care of Abilene, 1682 Hickory Street, Abilene, Texas 79601.